Chapter 1

The Morning of May Second.

She woke up slowly, the sun pouring into the dormitory, she then withdrew again into the warmth of the blankets, she could hear people moving round the room; softly speaking in hushed tones. The was air traced with words their speakers wouldn't allow her to hear.

Turning her head towards the footsteps that were walking around the room she felt the sun's warmth wash over her face.

"Mione?"

Hermione felt the bed sink as someone sat down next to her. She was still in a state of being softly and soundly asleep, but where she could still register the presence of a hand on her shoulder shaking her gently; attempting to rouse her from the warm arms of a peaceful sleep free of fear that she had not enjoyed in so long.

She heard footsteps going down the stairs, and the absence of birds in the mid morning sky was somehow louder than any whispers.

She was caught in a passage between sleep and waking, gazing at the window and the warm may light, she could deceive herself from this warm cosy bed that the impossible had not happened only hours before.

As she attempted to burrow back into her blankets a voice drew her further out.

"Hermioneee" said Ginny, and Hermione could hear the smile in her voice as she shook her her friend out of their sleepy drowsy state.

Rubbing her eyes, she realised it was just herself and Ginny in the room.

"Where are the boys?" she asked stretching and climbing out of bed, she saw an open trunk peeking out from under the bed that she knew didn't belong to anyone who stayed here last night, It must have been left by one of the boys before they were forced into hiding in the room of requirement.

"Harry and Ron just went down to go see Fred" Ginny explained standing and walking over to the bed she had slept last night and grabbing the shoes that were strewn at its foot. "They didn't want to wake you but when they left I saw you were waking up and i thought you would like to come"

Hermione glanced at the trunk again and saw a blue checkered pattern sticking out of it and after crossing the room and pulling on the fabric she realised it was a pair of Pajama bottoms she was used to seeing on Dean Thomas and threw them on.

She sat down on the corner of the bed and waited for Ginny, Hermione had a pit in her stomach, it had been almost easy to go to sleep after Ron had found her in the Kitchen and told her that Fred was going to be OK Before going back and checking on Harry.

She had been sitting with Neville and his grandmother in silence.

She watched Ginny, her dark red hair fell over her face, slightly tatted and she there was a dark dry patch of blood in her hairline above her ear. Her face was a shade more pale than usual etched with the sadness of the previous night and worry over her brother. Her eyes were tired, red and slightly bruised but when she looked up at Hermione, they still carried the mischievous heir that she knew and loved so well, but they also carried the etchings of having survived the unimaginable.

As they walked down the stairs Hermione knew that once she exited the portrait hole that these quiet hours would be over and she would be walking into a world trying to rebuild itself from the ashes. It was tempting to stay here, in the warm, quiet ,familiar dormitory and reminisce over all the love and laughter she had shared with her friends in the walls; but she knew she couldn't stay here forever, she stepped after Ginny out of the portrait hole, the frame knocking lightly on the stone propping it open as they made their way through Hogwarts towards to the hospital wing.

Most of the portraits were empty as they walked towards the first floor, every now and then they would see the flicker of delicately painted fine fabric swish around a frame and out of sight, the portrait moving swiftly from one end of the castle to exchange news.

Ginny reached the heavy oak door that had been closed and glanced back at Hermione before opening the door. She walked in tentatively and Hermione found her, straight away she saw a red headed family sitting around someone's bedside and smiled slightly. She had seen that family crowd many a bedside of a sick relative and knew that now it was finally coming to an end.

Mrs Weasley turned around and stood up when she saw her daughter and Hermione walking over, she caught them both in a large sweeping hug.

"How did you both sleep? Have you eaten? How are you feeling?" the gaggle of questions fell out of her mouth and Ginny assured her mother that they were both okay and well rested.

It was then that Hermione caught sight of Fred over Mrs weasley's shoulder.

One side of Fred's face was a large dark black bruise, his eyes were closed and his right arm and leg were both strapped up. Hermione reminded herself it could have been so much worse as something ripped through her gut at the sight of him.

Ginny had disappeared into her brothers and out of the corner of her eye she saw percy stand to let Ginny take his seat at the foot of the bed.

Hermione sighed and stood next to Harry, as much as Mrs Weasley had assured them time and time again alongside her husband and children that Harry and Hermione were in fact family, this was a time for the Weasleys to pool strength from each other.

Harry squeezed her hand gently and she looked back at Fred.

His hair was tousled over his face and stood up at awkward angles, he was extremely still and if Hermione did not focus on his chest and how it rose and fell ever so slightly, she could all to easily envisage what could have been. George sat closest to him, his eyes were red and his skin grey, he seemed to sag in his chair as he watched his brother.

To Georges right stood bill, his arms on the shoulder of his wife who occupied one of the five seats around Freds bedside, to her left was Mrs Weasley, her husband and second youngest child Charlie behind her.

Charlie and Bill were murmuring quietly and Ginny was listening, Harry and Hermione were to far away to catch what was being said. Ron walked over and stood with his two friends and they were silent for a while.

Madam Pomfrey bustled over and told them to wait outside while she changed his Bandages and administered medication, and so everyone but Mr and Mrs Weasley walked out of the medical wing.

Ginny was the first to break the silence "he is going to be alright isn't he?" her voice was hesitant and slightly lower than usual in an attempt to control it.

Bill put his hand on her shoulder and nodded. "He's over the worst of it, Madam Pomfrey said he would be transferred to St mungos when.." he paused and looked at his feet and Ginny nodded.

Kingsley shacklebolt came sweeping up the corridor flanked by professor Mcgonagall, as they drew level with them Mr Weasley slipped out of the hospital wing.

Professor Mcgonagall stopped, "the healers from st Mungos are here, they have sent two to help Madam Pomfrey with the patients in the infirmary while the others move the dead" Her eyes were clouded and the dark circles contrasted with her white face.

"After we have moved the patients to St Mungos i think it's time everyone goes home." finished Kingsley, his low smooth voice was a comfort to Hermione, but she felt a pang of pain inf her Stomach at the word home.

Mcgonagall turned to them again her face soft, "you have all gone through a great ordeal" she said looking each one of them in the eyes "i think it's time you go back to the dormitory and rest." the Weasley children looked at Mr Weasley.

"If anything changes with your brother we will let you know" he smiled gently at them, "once he's been moved, you can all go back to the burrow, your mother and i will make sure Fred is settled at st Mungos before coming back"

Mcgonagall looked at them all again "William?" she asked turning and looked at Bill, "I am afraid we must ask a favour of you."

Bill nodded as Professor Mcgonagall continued, "families and relatives are coming from all over the country, not to mention friends of Hogwarts, Professor Flitwick and Professor Slughorn are liaising with contacts at the ministry to shepard them through the Hogwarts Flu network, would you be able to help them?"

"Of course" Bill said turning to his brother "Perce, do you want to come help?" Percy smiled weakly and nodded at his brother, his face was pale and his eyes were dark and heavy, his body drooped and he looked much older.

As they walked down the corridor together, two healers carrying large dark green bags. Kingsley met them and opened the door for them to go into the hospital wing.

There was a moment of silence before Professor mcgonagall spoke again.

"Most people are in the Hufflepuff common room, the house elves have food prepared in the kitchen, as far as I am aware no-one has gone to the gryffindor common room as of yet" she directed the last of her words to Harry "so if you are in need of a particularly quiet atmosphere I recommend there"

Fleur put her hand on Ginny's shoulder and with a sad smile to professor Mcgonagall started guiding her down the corridor, Ginny put her head on her sister-in-laws shoulder as they walked followed by Charlie and George.

Harry was staring at his shoes, not wanting to meet their eyes

"The great hall.." Hermione asked. She lost the rest of the question in her throat in an attempt to keep her voice steady.

Professor Mcgonagall bowed her head "Everyone will lay there until three, their families will be able to see them, then they will be transported to St Mungos where propper viewings arranged and plans made"

Kingsley continued "if you would like to go see them you can go before everyone starts arriving"

Harry nodded quickly "we'd like that."

Hermione's heart hammered in her chest as they reached the great hall, the doors were closed. Harry stepped forward and pushed gently, his fingers grazing the ornate wood when his hand fell back to his side as the door swung open silently, just enough for them to walk inside.

Lined up on either sides lay the fallen. White sheets had been pulled up to just below their shoulders.

Hermione knew many of the faces.

Colin Creevey lay closest to the door, his eyes closed and his blonde hair tousled over his face. Hermione couldn't understand how still he was, this boy so enthusiastic and bursting with life laying there on the cold floor, unmoving.

Harry walked up the centre slowly, not stopping at everyone but she could tell that he was burning their faces into his imagination. He stopped at Professor Lupin and Tonks sides, he stood there for a while before moving on.

When Hermione reached them she stopped. She felt the burning of tears in her eyes and hastened to wipe them. Harry had started making his way back down the isil, once he had reached the doors again many long moments later Hermione joined him and Ron standing before the door, looking out into the great hall.

The sun was still ascending making its way towards the peak of the blue sky that was scattered with clouds.

She stared out over the fallen and towards the headmaster's chair, as Ron put his hand on her shoulder, gently guiding her out of the door , Hermione could hear Harry who had waited for a moment and followed them out of the door.

Professor Mcgonagall was waiting outside talking to five wizards, three women and two men. One of the women wore smart black robes and the other three wore green waited as she talked to them.

"We will move them at three to St Mungos and then Shacklebolt can make a speech at the hospital with the head of st mungos confirming that they have arrived safely and to ask the press to refrain from talking to the victims family or any hospital staff at this time" Said the woman.

Mcgonagall sighed "speeches, at this time" se expressed, her voice falling in disbelief.

"Minerva" said the woman again a small smile on her face as she placed her hand on Mcgonagall's arm " I hate it as much as you do but this Morning the wizarding world is full of rumours we need to give them something solid and concrete, people are still scared that hes out there, that their families are in danger."

She nodded and turned to the three of them, and Harry spoke up "Professor" he paused trying to get his words out "i was wondering where Professor snape's body is?"

Mcgonagall paused before asking "as some people are still currently unsure about his stance we thought it would be better to move his body away from the others while any family wishes to come, we have placed him in his office" she looked at Harry and he nodded, turning away and walking back up the Hallway.